ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/07/2004 08:19:42
Australia plays down possibility of Bali bombers release
Australia's Foreign Minister says it's too early to assume any of the Bali bombers
could have their convictions overturned, even though a court has ruled Indonesia's
retrospective anti-terrorism laws unconstitutional.
But the Opposition says it's a worrying development as Melanie Christiansen reports.
Alexander Downer has been briefed on the ruling by Indonesia's constitutional court
and he stresses it only applies to the case of Masykur Abdul Kadir - who's been jailed
for 15 years for helping the bomb plotters. "WE CAN'T NECESSARILY CONCLUDE
THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT WOULD COME TO THE SAME ADVISORY
OPINION IN OTHER CASES AND THE OTHER THING IS IT'S AN ADVISORY
OPINION IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, I'M ADVISED THAT THE FINAL DECISION
WILL HAVE TO BADE ON THIS APPEAL BY THE BALI HIGH COURT." But Labor's
Kevin Rudd is concerned the ruling could affect up to 30 other convictions relating to
the Bali bombing. "ON FIRST REPORTS, THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEEPLY
DISTURBING DEVELOPMENT." He's urging Mr Downer to raise the matter with the
Indonesian Government.
24/07/2004 08:19:42 | ABC Radio Australia News
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